Cursed to Bless: The Unlikely Prophet and the Eternal People - An Overview of Parshat Balak

Daily Jewish Thought

In this gripping journey through Parshat Balak, Rabbi Bernath reveals the hidden spiritual war behind the political drama. Balak, king of Moav, turns to the infamous prophet Bilaam to curse Israel—but instead, Bilaam becomes an unwitting conduit for some of the most beautiful blessings in Torah. From the fall of Sichon and Og to the rise of Pinchas, this class explores how even our enemies testify to our eternal strength—and how every darkness can be transformed into light.

Takeaways

Spiritual Warfare: The real battle wasn’t fought with swords, it was waged in the heavens. Balak understood the power of spiritual energy and tried to use it against the Jews.

Power of Blessing: Bilaam, despite himself, delivered the deepest praises of the Jewish people, because truth isn’t controlled by ego, but by G-d.

The Danger Within: When external curses failed, Bilaam exploited internal weakness—seduction and immorality. The greatest danger often comes from within.

Transformation is Inevitable: Even klipah (spiritual husks) serve holiness in the end. Bilaam’s blessings live on—while his plots fade into oblivion.

Identity is Non-Negotiable: The Jewish soul cannot be cursed. Our truth is eternal, our connection Divine, and our mission unshakable—even our enemies admit it.

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